Volunteers make wide variety of programs go round

Volunteers make a difference. The senior center offers a wide variety of programming through the support of many volunteers.

What some do not realize is that most of the activities at the center are organized and led by volunteers. These include gatherings for games like backgammon, bridge, mahjong, brain games, canasta and samba. All of the trips — kayak, paddling, gentle hikes and birding — are also led by volunteers.

The front desk often has a volunteer greeting participants and answering the phones, truly acting as an ambassador for the senior center. There are bakers who provide goodies for the Red Cross Blood drives and the popular Monday Munch would not be possible without the volunteer cooks and dishwashers.

There are so many opportunities. If you are interested in offering a program or volunteering, please reach out and spend time helping create a vibrant senior center.

The senior center offers programs for adults 50 and older from Charlotte and surrounding communities. Priority is given to seniors, but programs are open to adults of all ages.

Interested in receiving a weekly reminder about what is happening? Sign up for the email newsletters. The “Week Ahead” email is sent out on Friday mornings with activities, lunch menus and special programs for the upcoming week.

Outdoor activities

Try Out A Boat Event
Friday, Aug. 4, noon-2 p.m.
New to paddling and want to learn about the different types of kayaks and canoes? This is the perfect opportunity to “try out a boat.” There will be a variety of boats to try, both kayaks and canoes, and these boats are all “loaners” from volunteers and do not belong to the Senior Center. Registration is required and space is limited. Questions? Email Dean Tuininga or call 603-703-5092. With the recent water and weather issues in Vermont, the location or date may change.

Recreational paddling trip
Wednesday, Aug. 16, 9:30 a.m.
Join Karen and Dean Tuininga for a paddling trip, Wednesday morning, Aug. 16, on the Indian Brook Reservoir in Essex. The group will meet at 9:30 and plans to spend a couple of hours on the water. Open to everyone 18 and older, but space is limited to 10 boats plus leaders, so be sure to sign up early. Questions? Contact Dean Tuininga. Registration required. Free. Details will be sent to registered paddlers the evening before the trip.

Women’s kayak trips
Second & fourth Friday mornings
These kayak trips are for active women who share a love for exploring the many local lakes, ponds and rivers. Details about the trip will be sent out the week prior. For questions, please contact Susan Hyde. Registration is required through the Charlotte Senior Center Database or by calling the Senior Center. Free.

Community programs

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group
Thursday, Aug. 10, 5-6 p.m.
Are you caring for someone with Alzheimer’s? Do you know someone who is? Please join us for the monthly Caregiver Support Group on the second Thursday of each month from 5-6 p.m. The meetings provide a safe place for caregivers, family, and friends of persons with dementia to meet and develop a mutual support system. For additional information or questions please contact Susan Cartwright.

Community-supported agriculture
Thursdays, 10-11 a.m.
The senior center is participating in the Locally Yours community-supported agriculture (CSA) program. Produce from Full Moon Farm in Hinesburg is dropped at the senior center weekly and participants (age 60 and over) have access to fresh fruit and vegetables at no charge. The program is a first-come, first-serve situation, with the intention that one or two people do not take all of the delivered produce, taking only what they will use. No registration required. Free.

Red Cross Blood Drive
Thursday, Aug. 3, 2-7 p.m.
Please consider donating blood. The Red Cross is experiencing the worst blood shortage in over a decade. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit the website and enter: CHARLOTTE to schedule an appointment.

September senior art show
Now accepting submissions for the Charlotte Senior Center art show. Open to all artists and skill levels, ages 50 and older. Entry deadline is Friday, Aug. 18. Registration forms are available at the senior center and can be downloaded at charlotteseniorcentervt.org. For questions contact Judy Tuttle or 802-425-2864.

Shape-Note Singing
Sunday, Aug. 6, 1-3 p.m.
Traditional a capella, four-part harmony sung for the joy of singing … not as a practice for performance. Search “sacred harp” on YouTube for examples, then come and sing. Introduction to shape notes and scales is recommended and offered 30 minutes before each first Sunday singing. Contact Kerry Cullinan to schedule. No registration required. Free

Weekly Age Well Grab & Go meals
Pick up on Thursdays 10-11a.m. at the Charlotte Senior Center. Registration is required by Monday for the Thursday meal. $5 suggested meal donation but not required. To register,call 802-425-6345 or email.

Art classes

Drawing for Those Who Think They Can’t
Friday, Aug. 11,12:30-2 p.m.
Learn that you can draw if you simply look at things differently. Bring yourself and plan to have fun sharing in this supportive, nonjudgmental class experience. Local artist Mickey Davis enjoys bringing out the innate hidden artist in others. By donation. Registration required.

Make and take garden art
Monday, Aug. 7, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Make a ceramic and glass art flower for your garden. All supplies will be provided. The studio is at 2257 Fuller Mountain Road in North Ferrisburgh. No previous art background is necessary. This flower will need no watering or weeding and can stay outdoors in Vermont winters. Ages 6 and all the way up will have fun — a perfect intergenerational activity with your adult child or grandchild. Cost: $40. Registration required.

Meals

Menus are posted on the website.

Monday Lunches
Lunch is served on Mondays 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or until the food runs out. Suggested lunch donation $5. No registration required.

Senior center contact info
Lori York, director
212 Ferry Road, Charlotte
802-425-6345

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